Antidepressants.....

I have been on a whole slew of them over the past 10 yrs... Celexa, Paxil, Wellbuterin,Efferxor, and now for the past several yrs been on Prozac.... They all did work for me, for a certain amount of time. The longer i used them the less they worked....the celexa and paxil worked the best on me and was on them for about 2 yrs each. the wellbuterin did work although not as good as the previous two. I had gotten on Prozac several yrs ago and i love it....I had heard just about a year ago that prozac also helps with menopause symtoms as well, so that was a BIG plus for me. I had tried a couple times to ween myself off of it and my dh begged me to get back on it...lol I was just a mean and ugle person. I guess everyone is different in what there bodies like and will accept. I just wanted to had my 2 cents for whatever it is worth. I love the prozac even though it does get alot of flack.

Char

Char, there is a secretary where I work that has bi-polar disease. She has tried everything and has a huge stash of strange medications because she gets new ones before the old ones are gone. She was prescribed some Seroquel in 2006 but apparently never took much of it and then she was on to something else. She said it was mainly prescribed for sleep, even though it is a tranquilizer. Well, I had a problem sleeping and borrowed a pill from her so I could sleep. She warned us to only take 1/2 pill (my boss was sick and wanted one too). We did. We slept very very well, but both of us were sleepy all day the next day. So the next time I tried it, I took 1/4 a pill and slept well but could function the next day.
I know borrowing someone else's Rx is a no-no, but after several sleepless nights, I didn't care anymore.
She is also taking something occaisionally that causes her to be incredibly silly. She giggles, whistles, sings and makes other silly sounds everytime she moves and wears everyone out. We often wonder what she's on this week. I think the doctors are using her for a guinea pig.

How funny, I want that. I take wellbuterin and i get weird after i am off for about 4 months i start feeling so much overwhelm, i start unraveling. I hate when my dh askes me questions and makes me think about one more thing, so he goes are you still on your meds? It bugs me but I am good for no more than 6 mo off. I go off intentionally to give my liver or kidneys a break.

This is a might try and its all natural called A Supreme from Advocare. When Robin uses it I call it mellow yellow, I can sit and pick on her to get her riled up and she just smiles and goes on, kinda fun actually.

Don

lol I know what you mean hellnzn DH will ask me on my bad days if I've taken my meds (it only takes a few days of me being off for me to turn nasty) and I can crawl him when he ask...I don't go on and off for long periods if I can help it as it tends to lessen the effectiveness of the drugs for me when I start back. Currently taking Cymbalta, Xanax, Topamax and Remeron.

That's like being asked if you have PMS every time you don't agree with a man. He wrecks the car while drinking, you get angry, he blames PMS. Grrr-r-r-r

lol...well I can take *itchy to a whole new level off meds...but yea I kinda agree

I have been on anti-depressants for almost 4 years. Actually, my doctor gave me Paxil for anxiety. Over the years, I've taken Paxil, Wellbutrin, Prozac, Cymbalta, and am currently taking Effexor. Wellbutrin made me a
*itch, as araness puts it. Prozac just wore off. Cymbalta did the same. The Effexor seems to be doing pretty well.
I lost my dad in December 2004 and then everything I owned to Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. Needless to say, I was beyond being a basket case. My doctor had me taking 60 mg Cymbalta and a whole Xanax 3 times a day. From September 2005 to September 2006, I walked around in a daze or haze or whatever! My doctor relocated to another state (I later learned that he couldn't cope with the aftermath of Katrina). Honestly, I think he just doped me up good because that's the best way for him to handle it, and so he thought it was the best for me.
I now see another doctor who has weaned me off the Xanax and switched me to Effexor. I am doing better, but I still have bad days at times. I just wish I could help Sandy.
love to all, julie

Hello all! Just putting my two cents in here - I'm not a doctor or even a nurse but have had the privilege of working for a wonderful psychatrist for the past 8 years. Please, please remember folks to not take someone elses Rx's. Every med effects every person differently - not to mention I'd be concerned (from what you've described) on how her meds are taken care of i.e. stored and exp. dates etc. Many meds are crossed used - example Seroquel was put on the market as an antipsychotic med but works well for some folks dealing with insomnia. Cymbalta seems to be a med that has worked for many of our patients (both on physical pain as well as depression) - although the theraputic dose is 60mg - some need a higher dose. Always - be honest with your doctor - if you feel the med isn't as effective as it was or has never worked for you - there are many meds and combinations that can be used. He/she won't know you need a change or adjustment unless you tell them. Stopping your meds "cold turkey" is another thing to be wary of. There are a few meds that can cause seizures if stopped abruptly instead of tappering off (Xanax being one). There are also many meds that have a "half life" - meaning it stays in your system "x" amount of time even after you've stopped it. So even if you "feel" no different off the med...it could be simply you still have some working for you. For so many - they dont' realize until they're in crisis/having a melt down that the med was in truth working well for them. A down side to some psych meds is that they seem to pack on weight. Again...there are other ones avail to try if the one you're on is doing this. Those of you that know me - know I'm not preaching just trying to help.

I've been on Effexor for 5 years. Works Ok, but it caused a weight gain, and it has a reputation for being hard to quit. I tried tapering down, and finally stopping it. I noticed the change in my energy levels and tolerance of my arthritis pain. After two months, I went back on it. I realize that I will probably always be taking it.

I tried Effexor but didn't do much for me...seem to stop working pretty quickly. And yep I gained weight...but then everything I gain weight with...oops the wind blew...5 lbs...

What has helped me a lot is a product called Brain Link http://www.painstresscenter.com/mall/Brainlink.asp It is the correct balance of amino acids and vitamins that helps the body make neurotransmitters. I've been able to cut way, way back on my meds (Effexor and Zoloft) since I started taking this. Within a couple weeks of taking Brain Link, I started to get side effects from my meds (never had side effects before) and I wanted to try reducing the dosage of my meds and the doctor said that was o.k. That was last summer and the doctor is thinking of taking me off the meds entirely soon.

I have found that taking cold-pressed flax seed oil and evening primrose oil helps with PMS.

Just saw this thread and had to jump in......and answer to Chantel...I have had bi-polar all my adult life and now am 65. Seroquel only has 'slight antipsychotic' benefits...my daughter, sons-in-laws are all physicians who say that anyone with a sleeping problem over the age of 60 should just take seroquel...makes me sleep and I function fine along with many other meds...if we are not physicians we shouldn't be ' playing' doctor. There is no reason to scare people taking seroquel for sleeping..my parents both did and they didn't have mental illness. If you really needed antipsychotic meds, the doc would quickly jump you over to zyprexa or an equivalent....My favorite antipressant started out being celexa until they came up with a new and improved celexa called Lexapro. Happy sleeping to everyone!!
A good night's sleep is worth 20 extra pounds to me....besides I love to garden and that is hard work...

This message was edited Jan 23, 2007 5:32 PM

lol I like my Remeron for sleep...course don't ask me to wake up for an alarm, phone, fire engine, earthquake or any of that until after 9am....and the best part... it's 10 bucks!!! LOL

I like my Trazadone for sleep. Don't tell me anything before I go to bed cause it won't be in my brain in the AM. 5 bucks!
-Kim

bettygail - I'm not sure if I'm misunderstanding your "response" to what I wrote. I was using Seroquel as an example of a medication that is cross used by doctors. I was just making a statement - not saying that it was an INcorrect thing to do...quite to the contray I've seen it benefit many patients having problems with insomnia. My apologies, if I wasn't clear in what I was trying to get across. I said regarding Seroquel "...but works well for some folks dealing with insomnia" - I'm confused as to how that would scare people. ??? My point was that folks should NOT use other people's RXs. My other point was for folks to be forthright with their physicians so their medications could be adjusted when needed - I still stand by both of those points...maybe ask your DD and SIL's if they agree with those two points. And lastly I'd brought up the fact that meds are cross used - only because there have been times when patients seem hesitant to take a particular med after reading up on the it and what the diagnosis it was originally approved for was...not realizing that it had many other uses. I hope I'm clearer in this post then my previous one. If not - again my apologies...I'll refrain from further posts here.

Chantell, please don't stop posting here. Your input is interesting and factual, gleaned from years of observation while working for a professional psychiatrist. I enjoy your input on various threads and forums, as do so many of us at Dave's. It is well-stated, to-the-point, and helpful.

I was lurking here as my best friend hasrecently been prescribed Cymbalta for her mood swings that have plagued her for the past few months. Chantell, I must agree with Lotusblossom and encourage you to CONTINUE posting. It's very healthy to have various perspectives shared and exchanged so that the information gleaned is useful, even if that information encourages someone to further research medical information or even to request additional info from their drs. It is very important to remember what works for one person may not have the same benefit for another, and we all know that when it comes to meds whether for a sprain, fever or depression.. different drs. have different slants and different treatments. Diabetes for example is not one standard across the board treatment for everyone..neither hypertension(high blood pressure) nor is depression. Everyone benefits when information is shared and researched so one can be their own advocate in seeking the best treatment individually for themselves. We don't all share the same method in growing beautiful roses, we may perhaps even have several failed attempts before the first perfect blossom. We may have to adjust our growing and fertilizing schedules, we use different approaches after we become more knowledgeable of different techniques, some in the textbook, some pass from one gardener to another...so should we be in sharing and encouraging info and benefits from personal experience esp. when dealing with the issue of depression! As my friend's neighbor's child attempted suicide after her medication was increased along with adding a new anti-depressant (known in the medical field to increase suicide thoughts in teens) ..her mother had no clue until she heard it on the news.. Thankfully the child lived! Just my little red cent!

garden6 - my heart aches for your neighbor as well as her child. Depression in children and teens is so difficult - God bless them - they've got hormones raging in addition to the normal stressors of the teen years. I will be praying for them & the doctor treating her. Your metaphors with regard to physical/mental illness were priceless! I've told folks for years that were hesitant to be seen by a "shrink" to remember that a chemical imbalance is a chemical imbalance. There should be no shame in that. We would never raise an eyebrow at the diabetic in front of us at the pharmacy that needed to pick up their insulin and needles...it should be no different for any other kind of chemical imbalance. Some folks only need meds for a short while - they may have had increased stressors i.e. a death etc. To me, that's no different then when someone needs antibiotics for a temporary infection. It simply pains me to think that some folks might suffer needlessly because of the stigma associated with psychiatric care.
Lotus - you're ALWAYS such a sweetheart...thank you for your words. I'm generally not hyper-sensitive but mental health is near and dear to my heart and even the thought that my words might "scare someone" away from medications that would be helpful...well - it would upset me greatly.

This message was edited Jan 24, 2007 10:25 AM

Thank you Chantell, knowledge, information and questions asked are empowering, whether you have a medical background or not. Everyone deserve the upmost in excellent medical care regardless of education, yada, yada, yada. My friend's neighbor wished she had asked more questions as an advocate for her daughter. She's alive, but the nightmarish scars to work through and overcome are real. She now sees a different dr. who as you point out Chantell is considering the raging hormones as a factor. I not saying the previous dr. was a quack, but we all know that some drs are better than others. The quality of LIFE is precious just as the quality of sleep and many factors have to be weighed and considered. She paints a face of innocence of depression for me, and she needs and deserves the BEST medical care this planet has to offer just as anyone else that suffers from depression! Thanks for letting this lurker jump in with another red cent and thanks Chantell for your prayers for her, I know it'll make a difference!

Chantell please don't stop posting...your knowledge has always helped me in the past...goodness knows I've bugged you with this or that question often enough.

Folks plz check out this site if you have questions about any of the anti depressants your on or other medications you take for mental illness etc

http://www.crazymeds.org/

despite the name it's a great site to get general info in plain english

No worries, Saint...you've never, ever bugged me!!! Hugs!!! The thought of being misunderstood - esp. regarding my views on mental health and meds is upsetting, that's all. As long as my words are helpful - all is well. I've always been clear that I'm NOT an MD or RN (heck, I don't even play one on TV - LOL) - just have the lay person's knowledge of working for one & the feedback I get from our wonderful patients.

This message was edited Jan 24, 2007 5:01 PM

Thank you for your sweet comment Chantell. I sincerely appreciate it.

Cathy

Gee, Chantell, i didn't mean to upset you so much............obviously your opnions are greatly valued as your cheerleading squad has gone to bat for you......honest engine, I didn't mean to overreact.............sorry....."me thinks' I am too outspoken.....I would never quit posting because one person objected to what i said....PEACE, sincerely!!

It's all good! Thanks to you both for insight and info!

bettygail - no worries...and on 95% of subjects I wouldn't quit posting b/c of one person either but the thought that my words would frighten someone away from getting treatment - well, as I said mental health issues are near and dear to my heart and I would have a challenge looking myself in the mirror if I thought that were the case. Nothing wrong with being outspoken...been that way my entire life. As for my "cheerleading squad" - we've got a great bunch of friends at DG don't we. So many have blessed my life in the last year - I hope you've found the same support here.

*snort* I'm about as far away from a cheerleader as can get....unless they are allowed bad attitudes..and wide butts

Thanks, Chantell..............Araness, you are hysterical in your remark about 'bad attitudes and wide butts'....that would be the extent of my cheerleading also!!!

yeah I wasn't the cheerleader type in highschool...I was that kid other parents didn't want the kids to play with ROFLMAO

Would I qualify by osmosis?...my sisters were cheerleaders in high school and one in college! LOL!

This message was edited Jan 26, 2007 11:05 AM

Its just friends here looking out i think for each other which sometimes some of us need.. I'm still on effexor but druggist said no more effexor just generic!! maybe why not doing a thing for me. nothing..one dr. told me do not just quit but i had to no funds no difference.. so????proabably after next drs. appt. will see what next..

tell your doctor to write the RX for effexor and to make it brand specific...they DO make effexor still.

There are some folks that do not respond as well to the generics as the brand name meds. If your ins. balks at oking Brand name for you your doctor can appeal it saying that generic doesn't work for you. Or ask your Dr. about Effexor XR - I don't believe that's generic yet.

well then druggist lied to me.. said no more i will see .. thanks to..

hope - I'm not sure if you're referring to the XR or not. Here is Wyeth's Effexor XR site - you can always contact them directly. http://www.effexorxr.com/ Again we're still receiving samples - they would tell us if they'd stopped making it for some reason. Good luck...I hope this helps.

Hope, perhaps you misunderstood what the pharmacist was saying? Some insurance and prescription plans only cover the generic. Maybe the one you have won't cover the brand name medication.

I started on Prozac back in 1991 and have taken it most of my life since then. I have tried all of the other ones but Prozac seems to be the thing that works best for me. I have Bipolar disorder and I have Borderline Personality Disorder so I need all the help that I can get. I take Prozac, Ativan, Tegretol, and Geodon every day of my life but I'm glad that I have them. I was raised with the attitude that normal people do not go to shrinks, so my family thinks something is really wrong with me because I see my therapist every week. But at least I'm getting the help I need, unlike the rest of them who are not. I am thankful that there are medications out there to help people like me and I hope that if any of you here need medication, for whatever reason, get the medication that you need. I would be in bed every day of my life if it were not for my medication. So I am just thankful to have them and I do not think other people should look down on people like me that do need help. At least the ones like me that are getting help are being honest with themselves. There are so many people out there that really need medication but don't take any because of the 'label' attached with them. For me, I am so glad that I have what I need and I don't really care what anyone else thinks about it. If there is anyone reading this that might need medication, please do not listen to the negative things that are said about certain medications and get the the help that you need. And please do not think that I am coming down too hard on anyone here because I'm really not. It is just a really big deal to me that people get the help that they need. I had rather have a friend that is on medication than to not have one because they committed suicide or cannot get out of bed each day. Okay, I will get off of my soapbox now, and please do not think I'm coming down on anyone here because I love all of you and I just want to see you all have the greatest life as is possible.

Hugs to you all,
Jesse

Hi Jesse,

Just want to tell you that you are a very strong lady to share your story with us. You are a blessing. I know that none of us here will look down on you or think we are better than you. It is great that you recognized you had a problem and sought the help you needed...........and continued getting it. I am so happy for you that you have such a success story to share, and a happy ending. God bless you.

I agree Jessie, my sister doesn't go on medication because "It might make me get fat!" that is a direct quote I might add...*shakes my head* ok lets not worry about the fact her life is a wreak and her emotions are a rollercoaster, god forbid she gains a few pounds!

A sorry reflection on our society - that it is better to be functionless than fat. But those are the "vibes" that a person is bound to pick up, that a fat woman is about the most worthless or useless thing there is. As a fat woman myself, I know how it goes, but I still take my meds.